Looking for ideas to celebrate Lunar New Year in London with kids? In this guide, you’ll find a list of festive events and activities for families to celebrate Lunar New Year in London 2026. I will keep adding to this list, so do check back for more updates.
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When is Lunar New Year 2026?
Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year, starts with the first new moon of the year and is welcomed with a 15-day celebration in many Asian communities around the world. In 2026, the Chinese New Year falls on Tuesday, 17 February, which marks the start of the Year of the Horse.
Related: Lunar New Year books for kids
What’s On Lunar New Year in London with Kids
Plan your days out with this list of things to do with kids in London during the Lunar New Year 2026 festivities. Highlights include the annual Chinese New Year parade in Chinatown and packed weekend programmes at the Museum of London Docklands.
Lunar New Year Family Festival at Museum of London Docklands
21 – 22 February 2026
Welcome the Year of the Horse at the weekend family festival at Museum of London Docklands. Listen to classic Chinese folktales, watch traditional lion dances, explore traditional Vietnamese fashion, master martial arts and much more.
General admission to the Lunar New Year festival is free. Some individual ticketed events will be available to book in advance. Drop-in events will be first come, first served. The full programme will be released soon.
Check for latest updates about the Lunar New Year festival at the Museum of London Docklands
Related: February Half Term Kids Activities in London
Lunar New Year Celebration at National Maritime Museum
21 February 2026
Welcome in the Lunar New Year with a day of celebration, performances and activities at the National Maritime Museum. Discover museum objects connected with South-East Asia and enjoy special talks and live performances, such as the traditional Lion Dances taking place in the East Colonnades.
Join in on family-friendly workshops during the celebration that include creating a Chinese lantern, making a lucky red envelope or trying out Qigong and Tai Chi.
See the full programme for workshop and performance times at the Lunar New Year celebrations at National Maritime Museum
Chinese New Year Celebrations in London
21 – 22 February 2026
The Chinese New Year celebrations in London are usually among the largest outside Asia, with colourful parades, traditional dragon and flying lion dances and traditional Chinese street food stalls. The annual Chinese New Year parade in London will take place on Sunday, 22 February, starting from east of Trafalgar Square to Chinatown.
Lion Dances in Chinatown London
21 February 2026
Chinese New Year celebrations in London Chinatown typically kick off with spectacular lion dance performances. The traditional lion dance is said to bring good luck and drive away evil spirits.
Throughout the weekend in Chinatown, you will find stalls on Gerrard Place and Newport Court and plenty of places to stop off for a Chinese New Year feast.
London Chinese New Year Parade
22 February 2026
More than 50 teams will take part in the London Chinese New Year parade on Sunday, 22 February. The London Chinese New Year parade features the largest gathering of Chinese lions and dragons in Europe.
The London Chinese New Year parade typically starts at 10am from east of Trafalgar Square to Chinatown, with colourful parade floats and dragon dances.
Between 12pm and 6pm, visit Trafalgar Square for speeches and the Lions’ Eye-Dotting Ceremony, followed by stage performances. The fun-filled stage performances will include Chinese dance and music shows, martial arts displays, street food and craft stalls.
Check for latest updates about the 2026 London Chinese New Year celebrations at Chinatown London
Lunar New Year Celebrations at Greenwich Peninsula
21 February 2026
Welcome the Year of the Horse with Greenwich Peninsula. Enjoy captivating dragon and lion dances and delicious street food, alongside lantern installations and hands-on workshops for all ages.
More details will be released soon with workshop bookings, market details and the full event programme.
Check for latest details about the Lunar New Year celebrations at the Greenwich Peninsula
Find more days out inspiration for things to do in February in our guide: February Half Term Activities in London.
Pin for Later – Lunar New Year in London with Kids
This post has been updated on 8 January 2026 with latest information on family activities, workshops and events to celebrate Lunar New Year in London with kids.
